29 Comments
User's avatar
Mark Crutchfield's avatar

Such a wonderful calming piece Phoeby.

The choice of birch as renewal, recovery and strength without hardness really resonates. 😊

It is also the first tree in the ogham alphabet which is something new to me

Phoeby's avatar

Thank you, Mark, for the comment—and especially because I learned something today about the Ogham alphabet. I didn’t know about it. Have a lovely day.

Mark Crutchfield's avatar

And you! 😊

Sehar Insights's avatar

Looking forward more post like this

Phoeby's avatar

Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it

Sehar Insights's avatar

keep sharing your work in seharinsights

Gary L Taylor's avatar

That was a wonderful piece. I felt very calm and relaxed after reading it.

Will save it so that I can come back to it when needed, too.

Phoeby's avatar

Thank you, Gary. That’s very kind of you. I’m glad it brought you a little peace.

Meditations On Permafrost's avatar

That does read like poetic exhalation/ breath work or a meditation. I love how the lines move. I’d read that a few times aloud to myself. Very much enjoyed reading that.

Phoeby's avatar

Thank you so much for the comment. I’m glad you liked it. It’s not a classic meditation, but yes—it’s made for breathing. It’s written for a brief reflection and the need to take a pause.

Marble & Ember's avatar

So calm and grounding 😌 I love the February as unseen growth idea, and the birch metaphor makes the trust and timing feel natural, not preachy. Really beautiful!

Phoeby's avatar

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it. I really appreciate your comment.

Maria Matheou's avatar

A wonderful February meditation. Go with the flow of nature and let go of outcomes. It’s exactly what I want to embody, to just BE 🤍

Phoeby's avatar

Thank you, Maria! Yes, I understand you perfectly.

Meera / मीरा 📮's avatar

This poem felt like meditation itself. 🫶

Phoeby's avatar

Thank you—your comment means a lot.

Dawnithic's avatar

Phoeby, your meditation and the sound of trees together whisper that life flows quietly, unseen yet unstoppable; in stillness and trust, growth happens, and even in February’s hush, the promise of spring is already moving through us. I feel so happy reading this, as you’ve beautifully shared the quiet arrival of spring.

Phoeby's avatar

Dawnithic, you have no idea how much your words make me happy. The fact that it brought you even a gram of joy means the meditation has achieved its purpose. Have a lovely day!

Dawnithic's avatar

Absolutely, thanks again for the message of spring's arrival.

JGWunderlich's avatar

I loved this Phoeby. We're kindred spirits. The birch image is so steady here. I love the contrast between the restless mind and the quiet sap running anyway. And I agree, in shadow, things are indeed growing. 💚

Phoeby's avatar

Yes, I think so too—we’re definitely kindred spirits. And I’m really happy about that. Hugs, and thank you for being here. Your presence is always soothing.

Gub's avatar
Feb 21Edited

Yes what are we really waiting for anyway?

I like this verse and that you used the birch tree as a focal point which makes this all the more persuasive,

And no diss on dream boards but it’s a great way to show the point of “just being” or living.

“In February, the birch’s sap

runs like a river—

not because someone told it to,

not because it made a dream board.”

Phoeby's avatar

Thank you, Gub. You captured the essence of the meditation exactly—that’s the idea I started from. I listened to the sound birch sap makes in February. Spectacular! I think we’re taught to have before we are. Maybe the ideal combination is to be while doing (work, family, etc.). I probably need to get a little older—who knows, maybe that revelation will come too :)) Thank you for being here.

Nick Hills's avatar

One day you want to blow up a planet and one day you want to breathe life, I love your ability to surprise me 😁

Phoeby's avatar

I’m a woman. My moods shift quickly :))

AsukaHotaru's avatar

I was reading this and then the birch sap runs like a river line made my whole body feel so calm~ Nice one, Phoeby~!

Phoeby's avatar

Thank you, Asuka, for being here. I’m glad I managed to offer you a little comfort too. You always do…

Marble & Ember's avatar

So calm and grounding 😌 I love the February as unseen growth idea, and the birch metaphor makes the trust and timing feel natural, not preachy. Really beautiful!

User's avatar
Comment deleted
Feb 26
Comment deleted
Phoeby's avatar

Thanks, Josh. I’m really glad you liked it.